PLeasant pictures

Pleasant Pictures

Last Stop To Paradise
self-released; 2013

4.0 out of 5

By Sean Dennison

Coming off latest on the Cloud 69 of sensual synth-pop acts is Eric Robertson of Provo, Utah. Did you know the goofy triceratops thing Diabloceratops eatoni was discovered in Utah in 2010, close to where Robertson lives? I like to envision Diabloceratops eatoni lying down at a beach at night while listening to this. I know I just described an evening beach scene but the music itself is very sunny, even when singing about subjects like summer dying. Playful melodies perpetuate the album entitled Last Stop to Paradise, often backed by piano notes. Robertson commands his synthesizers with the confidence of a pro.

Each of the six songs carry their own distinct mood, though the flavor of music - warm electronic music - remains constant throughout. Tracks like "Ghost Heart Brush the Moon,” a whisper of a song with drawn out synth lines traipsing alongside optimistic piano playing make good foils to “Last Stop to Paradise,” which uses buzzing beats and drum machines while Robertson waxes abandonment. Other songs like "Beautiful Day" will have you singing along by the second chorus. The song is bursting with so much exuberance that you may find yourself busting out a dance number while at the workplace. You have been warned.

Robertson’s electronically altered recital of lyrics such "I'm still awake with my mistake" call to mind early Death Cab For Cutie and more recently Owl City. Like those two, the omnipresent mellow synths lines and twinkling sound effects purvey the album with a sense of whimsy, but Pleasant Pictures is very much sophisticated. And you know, I can't find anything bad to say about this album. I guess at its worst it can sound childish but the only people who would admit that are people who have smothered their inner child already. Personally I'm all about my inner child blessing out to emotive, layered synth pieces. Chilling with friends, driving through the city at night or downing a beer at home, Last Stop To Paradise's versatility is proportionate to where the album would be appropriately played.

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